| Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is looking for
sportfishing, boating, and aquatic education programs that could use some financial assistance. As part of its
efforts to re-engage youth, the PFBC is offering grants to organizations and local agencies involved in providing these
types of programs.
Grantees can receive up to $5,000 as part of the PFBC’s Sportfishing and Aquatic Resource Education
Grants. This funding can be applied to the purchase of equipment, materials and costs associated with field
trips.
“Re-engaging youth in outdoor activities is critical to the future of boating and sportfishing
and to building a more environmentally connected society,” said PFBC Executive Director Doug Austen. “Research
clearly shows that well-structured youth fishing and boating programs lead to kids increasing their interest in fishing
and boating, improving their skills, and building a greater sense of aquatic stewardship and outdoor ethics.
“It’s not enough for us to talk about wanting more and better programs to involve Pennsylvania’s
youth. Funding must be made available for programs and services benefiting youth, and this grant program is a start,” Austen
added.
This year, the Commission awarded 10 grants from 18 applicants totaling approximately $50,000; in 2007
it awarded 18 grants from 47 applicants totaling approximately $67,000. A list and description of funded projects
can be found on the PFBC website at http://www.fish.state.pa.us/grants.htm.
As part of the PFBC youth education efforts, more than 40,000 children receive the Pennsylvania
League of Angling Youth (PLAY) newsletter from the Commission four times a year; more than 5,000 Pennsylvania
schoolteachers have been trained and use the PFBC’s aquatic education curriculum; and more than 400 PFBC fishing
skills instructors teach thousands of children in angling basics annually. In addition, the Commission provides equipment
and support for 49 free tackle loaner sites statewide.
The deadline for submitting grant applications is January 31, 2009. Successful applicants will be notified by
April 15, 2009, and funding will be awarded four to eight weeks after all agreements are finalized. Applications,
program rules and eligibility information are available at the Commission’s website at www.fishandboat.com or
by calling 717-705-7835.
The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic
resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information, please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com. |
